A once-in-a-lifetime 14-day motorcycle journey through Pakistan’s highest mountain ranges. Ride from Skardu across vast high plains, alpine meadows, dramatic passes, remote valleys, and legendary roads, combining thrilling riding, breathtaking scenery, and rich local traditions.
Overview
Explore the Himalaya, Hindukush, and Karakoram on this epic 14-day motorcycle adventure with South Asia Travel. This extraordinary loop takes you from Skardu into Deosai’s wild high plains, up to the lush Fairy Meadows, and across the legendary Karakoram Highway through remote valleys such as Shimshal and Chapursan. Ride beside crystal rivers, dramatic cliffs, emerald lakes like Phander, cross Shandur Pass — the “Roof of the World” — and experience the vibrant culture of the Kalash people, ending in beautiful Chitral.
Highlights
- Deosai National Park — high alpine plateau and lakes
- Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat viewpoint
- World Three Mountain Range Junction Point
- Shimshal Valley — remote and dramatic
- Chapursan Valley & Sost Town
- Gilgit and Phander Valley
- Shandur Pass — world’s highest polo ground
- Kalash Valley — unique ancient culture
- Chitral City & scenic mountain roads
- Indus River and Astak Nala scenic rides
Itinerary
Warm welcome at Skardu Airport by the South Asia Travel team
Transfer to hotel (about 30 minutes)
Lunch at the hotel
Motorcycle brief and short test ride in Skardu town
Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Skardu
Distance: ~20 km • Time: ~30 min
Breakfast at hotel
Ride toward Deosai National Park, one of the world’s highest alpine plateaus
Stop at Sadpara Lake along the way
Discover Kala Pani, Bara Pani, and Sheosar Lake
Dinner and overnight stay near Astore
Distance: ~150 km • Time: ~6 hrs
Breakfast at hotel
Ride toward Raikot Bridge
From Raikot, switch to 4×4 jeep to reach Tattu Village
Hike (or optional horse ride) to Fairy Meadows
Explore the serene alpine meadows with views of Nanga Parbat
Dinner and overnight in Fairy Meadows
Distance: ~75 km (bike + jeep/hike) • Time: ~8 hrs
Breakfast at guesthouse
Trek to Nanga Parbat Base Camp (approx. 6 hours)
Explore Bayal Camp and Nanga Parbat viewpoints
Dinner and overnight in Fairy Meadows
Distance: Hiking only
Breakfast
Hike back to Tattu Village and jeep to Raikot Bridge
Ride to Hunza Valley (approx. 5 hrs)
Visit World Three Mountain Range Junction Point, Nanga Parbat Viewpoint, Rakaposhi Viewpoint
Dinner & overnight in Hunza
Distance: ~180 km • Time: ~5 hrs
Breakfast
Ride to Shimshal Valley, one of the most remote areas in the Karakoram
Explore Shimshal Cliff Off-Road and the village
Lunch en route
Dinner and overnight in Passu
Distance: ~120 km • Time: ~7 hrs
Breakfast
Ride toward Chapursan Valley via Sost Town
Visit Baba Ghundi Ziarat and local Chapursan villages
Dinner & overnight in Passu
Distance: ~160 km • Time: ~7 hrs
Breakfast
Ride to Gilgit, the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan
Lunch on route
Visit Gulmit Village, Karimabad Bazaar, and local sights
Dinner and overnight in Gilgit
Distance: ~150 km • Time: ~4–5 hrs
Breakfast
Ride toward Phander Valley — known for its emerald Phander Lake and peaceful villages
Visit Gupis Valley and scenic river viewpoints
Dinner & overnight in Phander
Distance: ~170 km • Time: ~5–6 hrs
Breakfast
Ride through stunning mountain roads toward Shandur Pass — the highest polo ground in the world
Continue toward Booni in Upper Chitral
Dinner & overnight in Booni
Distance: ~175 km • Time: ~6–7 hrs
Breakfast
Ride toward Kalash Valley, home of the ancient Kalasha people
Visit Ayun Valley and Bumburet Village
Dinner & overnight in Kalash Valley
Distance: ~120 km • Time: ~7 hrs
Breakfast
Full day exploring Kalash traditions, villages, and local life
Visit Kalash Museum and historic cultural sites
Dinner & overnight in Kalash Valley
Distance: Local travel only
Breakfast
Ride to Chitral City
Explore Gol National Park and Shahi Mosque, and enjoy Chitral’s calm valley environment
Dinner and overnight in Chitral
Distance: ~50 km • Time: ~2–3 hrs
Breakfast
Free time to relax, pack or take photos
Transfer to Chitral Airport for your departure
Distance: Local travel only
Includes/Excludes
What’s Included
- Airport pick-up & drop-off (Skardu and Chitral)
- Motorcycles + 4×4 jeeps for support & Fairy Meadows
- Basic spare parts + mechanic support
- Professional local ride leader
- Twin-sharing accommodations (standard)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Crew food & accommodation
- Music night & BBQ
- National park entry fees (where applicable)
What’s Not Included
- Motorcycle fuel / petrol
- Sightseeing tickets not listed
- Tips for guide/driver/support staff
- Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, extra meals)
- Optional activities (rafting, boating, horse riding)
- Personal insurance & evacuation costs
- Extra costs due to natural events or road closures
Need to know
➔ The road journey between Gilgit and Besham is quite lengthy and the road
condition is not optimal.
➔ In the event that Babusar Top is open and the route through Naran-Kaghan valley
is taken, the road condition is improved.
➔ There are three hours set aside in the evening (6:00 pm-9:00 pm) and three hours
in the morning (7:00 am-10:00 am) for your convenience.
➔ In the North, many hotels do not have heaters, but you can request double
blankets if needed. Some hotels may also provide heating mattresses.
➔ There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry into Pakistan. However, if you are
taking medication for conditions like diabetes or heart problems, it is recommended
that you carry the necessary medicines in your carry-on luggage to ensure that you
have them with you in case your main luggage is delayed.
➔ During the spring and autumn seasons, the average daytime temperature in
Northern Pakistan is around 15-20 Celsius, while the average nighttime temperature
is around 10-15 Celsius. In the summer, the average daytime temperature in
Northern Pakistan is around 20-30 Celsius, while the average nighttime temperature
is around 15-25 Celsius. In Islamabad, the average daytime temperature during
spring and autumn can be 25-30 Celsius, while the nighttime temperature is around
15-25 Celsius.
➔ Islamabad accepts credit cards such as Visa and Master Card, but it’s advisable
to carry cash in Pakistani Rupee while traveling outside the capital. The official
currency in Pakistan is Pakistani Rupees (PKR), and carrying a small amount of
cash can come in handy while buying snacks, fruits, drinks, or souvenirs on the way.
If you need to convert foreign currency, you can do so in Pakistan. However, it’s
important to note that any US dollars issued earlier than 1996-2009 will be
considered 15% less than their actual value. Also, torn, dirty, or stamped notes can
decrease their value by at least 10%. Therefore, it’s recommended to bring US
dollars issued after 2009 to avoid any inconvenience.
➔ When it comes to tipping, it is customary to give 4-5 USD per day to your local
guide and driver in Pakistan. However, you are free to give more based on the
quality of their service. Keep in mind that this amount may seem small to you, but it
is highly valued by the locals. As for tipping hotel and restaurant staff, it is
recommended to give at least 100 PKR directly to them if they have provided you
with any additional services that have made your stay more enjoyable. Other tipping
is at your discretion.
➔ Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to savor the diverse and delicious
food that the region has to offer. We provide breakfast and dinner during the tour,
and the food menu is mostly similar to Indian cuisine. We offer a rotation of chicken,
beef, mutton, vegetables, rice, and soups every day. We also provide local and
Western breakfast options, along with tea. However, if you have a preference for
certain foods or get tired of the same menu every day, we recommend bringing your
comfort food such as sambal, canned food, or instant noodles.
➔ In the region, the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C (2
round pin) and type D (3 round pin) plugs are commonly used for electronic devices.
It is recommended to bring appropriate adapters for your devices if they are not
compatible with these plug types.
➔ You can find laundry facilities in many hotels and towns during the trip. However,
it’s recommended to plan ahead and choose a two-night stop to ensure you have
enough time to get your laundry done and returned to you in time.
➔ The guided tour will take you to the highest altitude of approximately 4793 meters
at the Khunjerab Pass – the border between Pakistan and China. The visit to this
place will be limited to a maximum of one hour for photography. The average
elevation in Northern Pakistan during the tour will be between 1000-2000 meters.
The highest altitude during a Trekking Tour, on the other hand, will depend on the
itinerary decided for the tour.
➔ We suggest bringing a small or medium-sized suitcase with wheels. For weight
restrictions, if you are flying with Thai Airways for your international flight, you are
allowed one checked bag of up to 25 kg and a carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kg. For
domestic flights with PIA Pakistan Airlines, you are allowed one checked bag
weighing up to 20 kg and a carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kg.
➔ It’s important to wear comfortable and sturdy walking shoes with good support,
particularly if you’re planning to explore the Northern regions of Pakistan. If you’re
traveling during the spring, it’s advisable to bring along a windproof jacket, sweater,
jeans, rain jacket, scarf, cotton socks, and comfortable walking shoes. It’s also
recommended to pack some T-shirts with both long and short sleeves to protect
yourself from the strong UV rays, as well as lightweight cotton trousers.
